Traditional Ryotei Tokan-so

Update: Dinner at Tokan-so with Satono and Marufuku from Miyagawa-cho. Very charming.

Visitors looking for exclusive Kyoto dining experiences often turn to ryotei, traditional gourmet restaurants that once catered only to the elite. Ryotei now, however, are accessible by all and make for an elegant way to appreciate Japanese cuisine and hospitality. Tokan-so, located north of Maruyama park is one of the picturesque, situated right at the foot of the eastern hills. And with kaiseki dinner courses from 8,000 yen, you don't have to be a CEO to enter. Ryotei are usually associated with geisha houses as well and can arrange a private performance by a geisha or maiko (geisha in training). Now that's an experience!

Singing Around the Table at Irish Pub Gnome

Kyoto resident Felicity Greenland had her most recent "Singing Around the Table" session at Gnome, an Irish pub located near the Nijo-Kawaramachi intersection. Felicity and band plays traditional British, Irish and Japanese songs and all are welcome to join in, lyric sheets in hand. Song numbers included "Danny Boy", "Que Sera Sera" and the Pogues' "Dirty Old Town". With Guinness and Kilkenny on tap, the evening makes for a very Irish experience.